Here we are in Port Douglas. We arrived in Cairns a few days ago and have been doing lots of exciting things. The overnight flights weren't ideal - especially with the screaming children but I think we've nearly caught up with our sleep now.

We've been outback to a place called Undara where we camped in a swag tent - was so hot and noisy with all the sounds of the wild but we had kangaroos running around outside the tent and we also saw wallabies and wallaroos. We went on a wildlife walk and got taken into a bat cave - so cool - literally tens of thousands of bats flying around in the pitch black but none of them hit us because their sonar is so good.

We arrived in Port Douglas today with the aim of going out on the reef tomorrow, however our boat has been cancelled as they have shut the port

. Apparently there is a cyclone called Yasi just off the coast of Queensland that is expected to hit in 48 hours so they are taking all these precautions. This cyclone is meant to be a category 4 which is quite serious by all accounts and is due to hit on Wednesday morning - Tuesday night in the UK I think that is. Obviously the course of it could change at any point but it's not looking great right now. I'm not sure what exactly it means for us - we are at this hotel/apartment for the next two nights and will probably extend that for a couple of days so hopefully we'll be ok here. Definitely not the time to get the tent out!

Australia is great - the people are incredibly friendly - we had dinner with a couple from Cairns the night before last and they gave us loads of tips and advice. Apparently their daughter worked at Baker & McKenzie for 2 years which is really near Freshfields. Small world.

Tan update: Zero, Nada, Nichts.

Gonna post some photos now if I can - we've set ourselves up with a dongle so should get on the internet fairly regularly.

Hope you are all good - keep the comments coming - we love hearing from you xx

Comments

We are all thinking of you and pray you are safe and the others with you too. May you be able to continue your wonderful journey afterwards in peace and happiness. All my love Mum and her friends.

Flick
on Feb 1, 2011 at 04:50PM

Just checked out your 'swag tent' and looks like that is proper camping luxury!! Hope that the storm passes soon and that it doesn't disrupt your plans too much - keep us posted to let us know you are safe.Not much excitement going on here - sun has started shining a bit more in the last couple of days, but don't think it's going to compete with your 30+ degree heat!!

Libby
on Feb 2, 2011 at 09:46AM

Hi, looks like you are having a fantastic time!! The Cyclone does sound serious, Craig, Luke and Kieran are all in Cairns as well, they have been evacuated to a school some miles inland. I hope you are both ok and are safe. What an experience. Take care and batten down the hatches!! Love Lib xx

Sally
on Feb 2, 2011 at 11:29PM

Freddie and Steve

Port Douglas is beautiful have been there in a storm myself but nothing like this is going to be. Keep Safe

Love You

Sally xx

Shell
on Feb 22, 2011 at 09:31AM

A prime example why the sea is just evil..................Jelly fish - errrrrrrrrrrrr!!!!! xx

shell
on Feb 22, 2011 at 09:33AM

OMG just seen a snake..............this looks like a holiday from hell!!!! Snakes, jelly fish, sea, fishes and cyclone...only joking xx